What to know before proposing a postdoc with me
A postdoc at the SAGE Lab should advance an important question while developing your scientific independence and career. This guide describes Prof. Thériault’s expectations; it is not a job offer or a hosting agreement.
Scientific partnership, not simply additional hands
We favour consolidation of existing projects and programs: a focused question, complementary expertise and a workstream you can genuinely lead. A new proposal may fit when it strengthens that program rather than multiplying commitments.
Our research is non-clinical, mainly online, using existing data or evidence synthesis. We do not provide clinical supervision or in-person clinical data collection. Explore our research, projects, philosophy and supervision capacity first. The Idea Garden is not a list of available projects or positions.
What makes hosting feasible
- A bounded question and first deliverable, with accessible methods and resources.
- Demonstrated expertise and the judgment to check data, analyses, sources and AI-assisted work.
- Ownership of planning, documentation, writing, submission and revisions. Asking for help early is part of responsible autonomy.
- Realistic availability and a continuity or handover plan if circumstances change.
- An explicit mentoring budget covering onboarding, meetings, scientific review, funding applications and administration. A fellowship does not remove these needs.
In return, we agree on realistic mentorship, scientific feedback and professional-development goals. English may be needed for international teamwork and publication; describe your support needs rather than assuming perfect fluency is required.
External funding: hosting priority
Among candidates with comparable scientific fit and feasibility, confirmed external funding compatible with the proposed appointment receives the highest priority. A credible fellowship application can be discussed beforehand; planned, submitted and awarded funding are different states. Start with Québec and Canada in our funding guide.
Funding does not purchase or guarantee a place. We must check duration, amount, eligible expenses, research resources, appointment rules and UQAR approvals. Applicants without a fellowship may be considered when funding and hosting capacity are actually available. Unpaid work is not a workaround for the absence of a funded position.
Prepare your inquiry
Complete the postdoctoral research interest form. Describe your question, your personal contribution to previous work, a workstream you could lead, a first four-to-eight-week milestone, availability, funding and support needs. Relevant CV, publication or code links can document your contribution. Do not submit confidential participant, patient or third-party information or identity documents.
Contact us well before a fellowship deadline to agree on the proposal, letters and writing responsibilities. Do not name Prof. Thériault as an agreed host without explicit permission. Preparing an application does not automatically commit the lab to hosting you or covering a funding shortfall.
After an initial fit check
A structured discussion may clarify compatibility, funding and mentoring needs. Any additional assessment will be short, specified in advance and proportionate—not unpaid productive work. Before starting, we confirm institutional status, access, ethics, responsibilities, milestones and funding conditions.
Publication is a shared scientific goal, not a guaranteed result. We agree on writing and revision responsibilities, authorship criteria and handover; no indefinite obligation after the appointment is expected. Excellent applicants may be declined for lack of capacity, not lack of worth. Submitting does not guarantee an individual reply, meeting, position, affiliation or immigration support.